NEWSROUND


Construction output falls amid drop in housing activity


The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has indicated a sustained downturn in business activity across the UK construction sector, led by weakness in the residential building segment. The index, which tracks changes in total industry activity, registered 44.3 in August, down from 44.7 in July and below the neutral 50.0 value for the 12th successive month. All three sub-sectors recorded a reduction in construction activity during August, but housing was the only category to register a faster


Sarah Dyke MP talks water during Bradfords


MP for Glastonbury & Somerton, Sarah Dyke, visited the


Glastonbury branch of Bradfords Building Supplies, the country’s oldest builders’ merchant, to discuss water pollution, water quality and flood resilience in Somerset and throughout the West Country.


The visit was arranged by the Builders Merchants Federation as part of its industry and parliament programme. The Liberal Democrats’ Spokesperson for Rural Affairs,


pace of contraction than in July. Moreover, the downturn in residential work (index at 37.6) was sharper than seen elsewhere in the construction sector.


Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “UK construction companies


was welcomed by chief executive David Young, branch director David Dykes and Brett Amphlett from the Builders Merchants’ Federation. Touring the branch, Dyke was shown examples of the sustainable materials and products available to Bradfords’ customers. Concluding her visit, she said: “It was good to visit Bradfords and discuss the steps they are taking to reduce their environmental impact and respond to the transition towards a lower-carbon economy. “I was particularly interested to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the building and construction sector, and the


Travis Perkins relocates Corby branch


Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has enhanced its offering to customers in Corby, relocating to a larger 1.5-acre site and launching a hire service at the branch for the first time. The relocated Travis Perkins branch expands the merchants national hire network of more than 270 branches, as well as offering greater stock availability. The branch also boasts an array of specialised services including


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experienced another solid reduction in output volumes, with a faster downturn in house building the main reason for a weaker overall performance during August. “Sluggish demand conditions and low client confidence, combined with anxiety about the impact of the Middle East conflict, were again factors contributing to lower workloads across the sector. “Total new business nonetheless decreased to the least marked extent for 11 months amid reports of support from transport infrastructure work and some


pockets of vitality such as data centre roll outs and energy sector projects.


“Encouragingly, input price inflation eased to its lowest since February and supply chain performance was broadly stable. Softer overall inflation was recorded in August despite upward pressure on operating expenses from higher fuel bills, logistics costs and raw material prices.


“Business optimism was still subdued, as growth projections for the year ahead eased since July and were much weaker than historic trends.


“Concerns about geopolitical tensions, lacklustre domestic economic prospects and elevated borrowing costs were all noted as holding back confidence.”


Lawsons powers ahead with electric truck fleet


role businesses like Bradfords can play in supporting more sustainable approaches. “As a long-standing family business with more than 255 years of history, Bradfords is an important local employer and contributor to the economy in Glastonbury and Somerton, across Somerset and beyond. “My thanks to David, David and the team for taking the time to discuss the issues with me”.


a brick library, a landscaping display, an estimating service as well as click and collect and next day delivery.


Branch manager Stacey Ward-


Murray, said: “The team has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to prepare this fantastic new site. We are delighted to double the size of the team to 9, who can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors moving forward. “With our expanded services and a larger stock inventory, we are in a better position than ever to provide the outstanding service and expert advice that local tradespeople rely on every day.”


Lawsons Group has taken another step towards reducing the environmental impact of its fleet with the purchase of two New Generation DAF XD Electric trucks.


The new DAF XD Electric trucks were developed in collaboration with Ford & Slater DAF and commercial vehicle bodybuilder Massey Truck Engineering, with the vehicles specifically configured to meet the demands of builders merchant deliveries.


Dan Hearne, head of transport at Lawsons Group, commented: “I’m really excited to introduce the first electric merchant lorries from DAF in the country and the first electric trucks in the Lawsons fleet. “As a business, we’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. We have a responsibility to keep looking for innovative ways to operate more sustainably.”


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2026


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